The semester may be reaching its end, but the beginning of the semester when Andrea Smith just joined the UW-Madison CollegeFashionista Style Guru team seems like yesterday. Smith is far from her home in Tampa, Florida, but loves Madison. She is pursuing a degree in Art History and currently exploring certificate options.
Walking around campus, you may have spotted Smith conducted interviews for her weekly column “Fashionista Spotlight,” which not only documents the physical style of the Fashionista being photographed but also gives the readers insight into the mind behind the style. The column puts the spotlight on the Fashionista’s around Madison and lets them share their style advice, while Smith also provides tips on how to mimic the style of the Fashionista.
However, the tables have turned and its time to interview Smith and give her the opportunity to inform the readers of her fashion sense.
Jamey Hastings: How would you describe your personal style?
Andrea Smith: This is actually a really tough question for me to answer in a single explanation. I would say that my style is an amalgam of several different tastes that I have acquired throughout my life. At the very basic, it is a mixture of a relaxed, laid-back style of earth-toned loose knits and flowing tops, a rough, rugged look consisting of dark colors and accents such as acid stains, studs or rips, plus my relatively preppy upbringing which has continued to compel me to incorporate pink or girly pieces into my outfits every once and a while.
JH: How would you describe the style of Madison?
AS: The style of Madison can be described through an equation, in my opinion. Madisonians definitely have an awareness and appreciation of appearance and representation. This is articulated into a semi-rugged yet chic style that most adults I see around have, which is then combined with the state Capitol’s eccentricity and citywide eclecticism, to produce a classic and individually unique style with all judgment coat-checked at the door.
JH: Would you say the people of Madison have influenced your style? If so, how?
AS: I, as everyone, am heavily influenced by the environments in which I am placed. Though the people of Madison are an essential part of its environment, I do not think the people of Madison have directly influenced my style. Moving to Madison, I would say, has given me more confidence to take fashion risks and employ the freedoms of fashion. I can conclusively state that Madison has most definitely catalyzed the development of my personal style.
JH: Do you wish to pursue a career in fashion? If yes, what would you like to do?
AS: The fashion industry has always been very appealing to me and my interest in it has endured. However, I am unsure if I would attempt to really pursue a career in the industry, it’s a scary place. If I was given an opportunity, I would surely take it, but I think I would first pursue other careers. Personal styling probably is the most attractive profession to me, followed by buying.
JH: What is your favorite part of being a Style Guru intern for CollegeFashionista?
AS: The recognition from unexpected people is my favorite part of being a Style Guru. I also love being able to experiment with angles and such in photography for my Fashionista/o Spotlight photos.
JH: Who are your style icons?
AS: Since I began watching television as a child, the Olsen Twins have enchanted me and maintained an immensely gargantuan influence on my choices of style and development of taste. The extremely hard work put into Elizabeth & James and, especially, into The Row (dressing the First Lady, Michelle Obama in the line) is a great inspiration. They have persisted, and will forever, as role models for me because MK and Ashley epitomize the very term “style” and have established theirs to the fullest extent. They wear what they want with no concern for critics, which is why I so appreciate them as humans and fashion icons; the twins’ styles are manifestations of a strong sense of poise and acceptance of self. For this reason, I have never questioned a single fashion choice of Mary-Kate or Ashley, and I don’t think they would not pass judgment either. I’ve also been lovin’ on Rihanna’s style a lot lately.
JH: What are your favorite fashion blogs?
AS: The Man Repeller, The Sartorialist, Olsens Anonymous; I don’t follow a ton of blogs.
JH: Who are your favorite fashion Twitter handles to follow?
AS: Man Repeller/Leandra Medine, DANNIJO, Jonathan Adler, Rag & Bone, ACNE
JH: Are you doing anything this summer related to fashion?
AS: I am working at a vintage jewelry boutique in Tampa that I’ve worked at sporadically since high school. I am also going to Europe, which is related to fashion by default!
JH: Who are your favorite designers, and why?
AS: My favorite designers are ACNE, Rag & Bone, Twenty8Twelve, T by Alexander Wang, Genetic Denim, Stephen Dweck, The Row, Elizabeth & James, DANNIJO, K. Jacques, Current/Elliott, Camilla Skovgaard, J Brand, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Rebecca Minkoff, Frye, Dolce Vita/DV. Because they fit, in the literal and non-literal sense.
JH: What is your favorite store in Madison to go shop at, and why?
AS: My favorite store was Atticus, which I had the privilege to work at until its untimely closing. Now, I would say it is CONTEXT. Although it is a men’s boutique, I would wear every piece if I could. I also love Pop Deluxe on State.
JH: If I gave you $3000 to spend in fashion, what would you spend it on?
AS: I would probably buy a quality, timeless black or tan leather bag. By whom, I am not sure. If I had a little left over, I would buy another Canada Goose or a new pair of K Jacques sandals. And if I still had a little leftover, I would splurge on some Pamela Love, DANNIJO or Stephen Dweck jewelry.
JH: What is your favorite trend currently?
AS: Peplums. Can’t get enough.
JH: What trend do you see becoming popular this summer?
AS: White maxis.
JH: What is the best style advice you can give?
AS: Do what you want, wear what you want. No one can tell you what your style is or isn’t. Your style is you, and that can’t be criticized. Take a couple chances while you’re at it, you never know what could come of it. Oh and, take a breather on the cropped tops… They need a rest.
Make sure to check out Smith’s weekly column, “Fashionista Spotlight” on the University of Wisonsin-Madison’s page on CollegeFashionista.com every Wednesday. For the latest Style Guru news and CollegeFashionista news on the UW-Madison campus, follow us on Twitter @CFUWisconsin.
